Account Manager

An Account Manager at metroConnections is assigned to work closely with assigned Sales Team member(s), with a split focus on sales/marketing functions and program/project management. This client-facing position includes maintaining existing and building new client relationships while overseeing the day-to-day planning and successful delivery of events from start-to-finish for key client account(s).

The Account Manager works closely with assigned Sales Team member(s) on key accounts to sell and execute programs. This position takes a lead role in communicating with clients, decision-making, creative design, and program development. The position also maintains a broad understanding of the needs, culture, and brand of key accounts while working to uncover new business opportunities.

The goal is to provide exemplary service and to locate opportunities to grow metroConnections’ accounts. An Account Manager can accomplish this goal by implementing the metroConnections Brand Pillars in everyday work functions with internal colleagues and external clients and partners: Connection, Innovation, Adaptability, Partnership, Dependability, Execution.

This is a full-time, salary, bonus-eligible, hybrid position. Work locations will include independent remote/work from home, occasional team office work in Burnsville, MN, and on-site event work (within the Twin Cities, domestically, and internationally, including overnight travel).

Position Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work collaboratively with all service teams within metroConnections.
• Participate in all aspects of metroConnections where appropriate/when assigned.
• Manage large scale programs, with efficiency and ease.
• Participate in activities which grow key/assigned accounts, including but not limited to the following:
  • Maintain a relationship-based approach to client management. Act as a bridge between client and metroConnections; lead the client management process as a master coordinator, strategic thinker, and problem solver.
  • Act as a client advocate, responsible for understanding client preferred communication style and company culture; respond to their inquiries, provide solutions, and resolve issues to contribute to client satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Forecast/anticipate client needs and take initiative to head off or overcome challenges on behalf of the client.
  • Locate opportunities and bring them to the attention of assigned Sales Team member(s)
  • Mandate a high standard of excellence and consistency for the account(s) managed.
  • Understand and remain current on metroConnections’ service offerings, pricing model, and profitability targets to effectively service clients and appropriately guide and contribute to the pricing process for client proposals and programs.
  • Seek opportunities to understand the needs, brand, and culture of key/assigned accounts.
  • Stay up-to-date with client standards and rules: branding, security, company structure, etc.
• Provide sales administration and operational management for key/assigned accounts, including but not limited to the following:
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending internal training sessions and liaising with Operational Leadership team members to understand capabilities and limitations.
  • Collaborate with internal team members following established protocol for client needs; including but not limited to: shipping quotes, shop build quotes; renderings, etc.
  • Correspond with vendors, venues, and external partners – research availability/options, negotiate rates, procure items, book services, strategically manage partnerships as representative of metroConnections.
  • Create, revise and send proposals and agreements to clients using approved templates and following established protocol. Develop effective, compelling presentations and working documents.
  • Demonstrate financial responsibility by accurately costing proposals, creating and managing budgets, and ensuring timely reconciliation.
  • Update and manage various company systems by following established protocol; including but not limited to: Master Calendar, Dynamics CRM, FLEX Rental Solutions, Smartsheet, network drive internal file structure, program budgets, etc.
  • Liaison with Operational Leadership Team internally for scheduling, staffing, and other related program functions.
  • Attend and lead client meetings and site visits.
  • Participate in program hand-off meetings with assigned program team members to ensure clients experience a smooth transition from the sales process to the planning process.
  • Mentor, guide and assist assigned program team members on client management and issues that may arise during the life of a program; reengage with the client as necessary during the planning and execution process regarding increased scope or challenges that may arise.
  • Serve as program lead or support for programs for key accounts, following established processes for pre-planning, on-site execution, and post-program requirements. Manage all aspects of assigned project execution keeping within established budgets and timeframe
  • Liaison with Accounting Team including but not limited to invoice reconciliation, credit card transactions, completion of expense reports, etc.
• Provide administrative support for the Sales + Marketing team for projects as assigned by the Vice President, Sales; including but not limited to the following:
  • Utilize experience with metroConnections to serve as an additional resource to Sales Team members to assist with research and proposal development, formatting documents, and sales resources. Assist other Sales + Marketing team members with presentations and other client facing needs. Participate in creative brainstorming sessions for proposals with fellow sales team members. Monitor and remain educated on competitor offerings, current market pricing and trends.

Minimum Qualifications Include:

• 5+ years of related experience (corporate event, conference management).
• Experience in third-party planning required.

Competencies:

• Strong project management and relationship building skills.
• Use discretion in day-to-day functions with respect to significant matters and information. 
• Follow policies and protocols set by the company.
• Excel in written and verbal communication (English is the primary language); provide professional and polished communication.
• Exhibit strong computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Dynamics.
• Provide excellent customer service via email, on the phone and in-person.
• Exude confidence during in-person or virtual meeting presentations.
• Manage stress successfully: adapt to change, trouble-shoot, and make decisions while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Learn quickly.
• Multi-task efficiently while maintaining time management and big-picture thinking.
• Balance multiple projects, clients, programs at one time while maintaining a sharp attention to detail.
• Work independently to come up with viable solutions and to maintain a standard of service.
• Work successfully with a team and many different types of personalities.
• Take direction from multiple managers or team members, as well as having a good understanding of with whom to advise/consult in the event of conflicting instruction.
• Possess strong leadership skills and an outgoing personality.
• Maintain a cheerful, positive, and can-do attitude.
• Ability to resolve conflict, especially related to client management issues and needs.
• Maintain a polished and presentable appearance as many work functions are performed in or adjacent to a corporate atmosphere.
• Build healthy relationships both internally with leadership and employees as well as externally with vendors, customers, and industry peers
• Maintain organization and provide quality work with attention-to-detail.
• Thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excel in customer service and communication via email, on the phone, during video conferences, and in-person.
• Think creatively to develop new and innovative concepts and solutions to advance metroConnections’ services and product offerings and/or to exceed client expectations.     

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The employee must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
•  The employee may exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push or otherwise move objects.
• This is a sedentary position that requires the employee to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• The employee will experience repetitive motion, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• The employee will type or otherwise work primarily with fingers.
• The employee will be required to stand or walk for long periods of time.
• Regularly required to talk/hear.

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Comp Time for on-site program hours worked over 40
• Overnight Program Travel Bonuses – $50.00 per night for overnight program travel
• Paid Time Off – Starting with 15 PTO Days
• Paid Holidays – 9.5 Days Annually, including Employee-Owner Appreciation Day (first Friday of March)
• Summer Fridays – Reduced Business Hours on Fridays during Summer Months
• Employee-Owned – Employee Stock Ownership Plan – Retirement Plan 100% funded by the company
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Medical and Dental Insurance – 50% company paid
• Options for Voluntary Disability Insurance, Voluntary Vision Insurance, Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Parental Leave – 10 Days Paid
• Bereavement – Up to 5 Days Paid per occurrence
• Annual Uniform Allowance
• Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement

Compensation:

From $68,000.00 annually.

Please send your resume to jobs@metroconnections.com.  No phone calls please.

AI for screening candidates has its limitations and potential biases and should not replace human decision-making in hiring. To find the best candidates for our organization, metroConnections does not utilize AI for candidate screening.